Celibacy/Abstinence/Ashwagandha

If ashwagandha/shilajit, taken in medicinal doses detrimental to Brahmacharya/self-realisation?
Does it make brahmacharya difficult to practice?
I have heard that they enhance ojas in the system.
Btw., I take ashwgandha due to health issues in the past.However, now that issues doesn't seem to bother.
Should I stop ashwgandha and shilajit? (I'am 22 y.o). I will do as you say.Please guide me.

Sincerely aspiring your advice on this

Om Tat Sat

AnswerIt is not necessary for the Brahmachari to take recourse to such external supplements, for it leads to dependency. A balanced and wholesome diet suffices. The human body has an ability to be self sufficient under the right food and lifestyle and Brahmacharya brings out this ability.

Expertise

Questions concerning the practice of 'Brahmacharya' to know the self, & the means required are dealt with here.

Experience

The term 'Yoga' is a derivative of the Samskruth verb 'Yuj' which refers to union. 'Yoga', also called 'Brahma vidy‚' is the eternal dissolution of the individual 'Aham' (Ego) into the Atman (self) for 'Mukti' (liberation).
Mere indulgence in '¬sana' or physical postures is not Yoga. ¬sana is only one limb or 'Anga' of Yoga. The eight limbs viz. Yama, Niyama, ¬sana, Pr‚n‚y‚ma, Praty‚h‚ra, Dh‚rana, Dhy‚na and Sam‚dhi are the means to Yoga. Brahmacharya or spiritually based continence is one of the important components of 'Yama'. 'Brahmacharya':- "Brahmani charyathey ithi" - "To surrender one's Ego and go with the will of the Almighty."